Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
 
Dear Antimo:
After hearing "When I Last Saw You," you can only feel sympathetic for those that have truly been impacted by a personal loss of a friend or family member. I lost a friend of mine about two months ago and he was a former student at FGCU. His death impacted a lot of people and I feel it made us all realize how precious and valuable life is and not to take it for granted. We cannot determine the future, and have no control over what’s to come so we should cherish each day and each moment as though it was our last.
 
I thought the music video could not have been more appropriate for the song. I felt that seeing the older people and family members together, sharing times of happiness and not knowing what’s to come really portrayed a sense of honoring what you have now. I thought the rose petals were a great depiction of letting negative feelings go and instead replacing them with feelings of love. The music video symbolized the importance to live each moment to its fullest. Letting a day go by remaining in arguments and holding on to broken bonds is not the way to live. To let the grudges go and open doors to life's new experiences with the ones you care about is most important.

The video clearly portrayed that if we live life with a mundane attitude, there is no way we will never experience all it has to offer. I felt the video instructed each of us to spend time with those we don't, cherish the moments that are quick to flee and keep those people that are special to us close to our hearts.
 
My explanation of the lyrics, music and vocals is that when I first heard the song I was saddened by what the lyrics meant. After a second time I realize the lyrics are what reaches out to those blinded by turmoil and life’s "unknowns."  I felt the music sounded like a peaceful hymn. The piano really added a calming nature and when you sang you carried each note with such grace and emphasized the lyrics that really mattered such as, "To let others known just where we stand and how to make them see that it could've been any one of us or was it destiny?"

I felt that your voice was very inspirational and soothing. You really got into the song and seemed to understand the value that time should have in each of our lives, and not to take it for granted. I felt the song was a sweet depiction to savor life’s more cherished experiences and to not walk away from the chances that are right in front of us.

I think that your music can equally impact both genders because everyone encounters tragic experiences in their lifetime and I feel that although females may show more of an impact through emotion, it does not mean that males can’t get the same experience out of your music.

I enjoyed your charisma, positive attitude and humbleness because although you messed up you didn’t get embarrassed; instead you made a joke out of the situation. I also enjoyed your talent of singing, you belted out the songs and it was truly inspirational.

You have a lot of talent and if anyone wants to experience someone that sounds like a mix between “Rascal Flats” and Teddy Krieger, you are the person to see. Your style is what separates you from other up and coming artists. You are a talented man who enjoys expressing life’s vicissitudes’ through your music and who really makes the audience feel as though they are part of your music.

My favorite song was, “Lending Me Your Ear.” I felt that the beat was contemporary and it reminded me of a song where a person is trying to reach out to someone or even trying to reach out to God because he is always there for us, willing to listen to what we have to say or the problems we encounter. As with a friend or partner, “Lending Me Your Ear,” to someone is ways of letting those closest around you understand that you will be there for them.

I feel it lets us know that if we let others listen to what we have to say it is a better way to draw nearer to that person and understand what they are really about.

I really enjoyed your humor and music. I felt that you reached out to your audience on more of a personal level and really tried to connect with us, which is good. I found your lyrics to be both motivational and inspirational. 
Sallie

Dear Antimo:
After listening to, “When I Last Saw You” you can learn that it is so important to appreciate your loved ones and friends and to let them know how much they mean to you. So many of us take for granted the fact that we may be able to see the ones we love often, so much that we forget what it would be like without them.

I lost one of my good friends about two months ago in a car crash, after just speaking to him the night before he died.  I didn’t even find out about his death until  the day after he died. I was so depressed for weeks, just constantly thinking about it, and being mad at myself for not getting a chance to tell him that I loved him and that he was one of my best friends, and how much I cared about him. It was already too late. So the lyrics to this song speak volumes to me, and I can relate to every word in it.

I know that I learned to remember to tell the ones you love that you love them as much as possible. Tomorrow something could happen and you could loose a loved one without ever letting them know how much they meant to you.

Your music video was very well done. I really liked the pictures of the people and the way the film was made to look older, to symbolize "looking back." I also liked the roses through out the video. It gave off sense "warmth." You felt like you could really relate to him in some way, especially if you've lost someone in the past.

The lyrics, music and vocals are really very powerful.  The words are written to make you think deeper about what the singers truly trying to say. "I don’t know why I said nothing, when I last saw you", this verse is very real, because you can go one day without telling a loved one, that you love them, and that one day they could be gone in a second, and you'd forever be saddened by the fact that you had a chance to tell them, but for some reason you didn’t.

The way you sing the verses are amazing. You can really feel your sadness, and really relate to you. You have a lot of passion in your voice and in your music, and it’s nice to see the realness within your lyrics. You seemed really down to earth and didn’t try to act like your perfect. You had fun with the audience by joking around, laughing, and just smiling all the time. You did well by interacting with the audience, and not just singing to show off your talent.

I think you were wonderful and I really enjoyed your presence. Your a very gifted singer and have a great talent for writing songs. I think you will be a great success in the future.
Kristen

Dear Antimo:
After listening and watching your music video, “When I Last Saw You” I realized that it's important to take the time to get to know everyone. Once they are gone you regret the fact that you lost the chance to know someone who may have been very significant to your own life. Also, you learn never to take anyone or anything for granted. I thought the video really captured the emotional elements of the background of the song. The pictures reach out to everyone because it allows them to relate to losing someone, whether it is a family member or friend.

Your voice and tone is perfect for the mood of this song. It is soft and full of emotion which provides feeling and personal relation to the lyrics. The music adds the feeling of sadness to the lyrics of losing someone and not knowing why they had to go.

During your live performance at FGCU I enjoyed the fact that you were up close and connected with the audience. You passed out roses to several of the listeners which added meaning of your songs. I also really enjoyed the fact that you seemed to be comfortable just being yourself. You weren't afraid to laugh at yourself or tell funny stories about your past. The facts that you can be yourself and not try to look or dress like other singers or actors are excellent.

My favorite song was Just A Game. I like how the lyrics talked about as children we played all of these games and did so many things not ever thinking of what may come of us or happen to us when we got older. I felt it was a song we could all relate to due to the fact that we're all in college; most of us grew up with the same people our whole lives and then were separated when we went to college. We never thought we would grow apart from one another or never thought some of the things that happen to us now would go on.

I enjoy the fact that you wrote Lending Me Your Ear for your fans or anyone who listens to your music in order to thank them for giving you a chance. I think it shows your gratitude and gratefulness. I can relate to the line that says "I can't thank you enough providing me with love" because it reminds me of my relationship with my parents and how thankful I am that they are so wonderful. They've always been there to support my brother and me with so much love.
Haley
 
Dear Antimo:
I’ve lost people close to me and it is probably one of the hardest things that I’ve ever had to deal with. It’s nice to hear a song (When I Last Saw You) that is relative to this experience especially one from a younger person’s perspective as opposed to many of the older singer/song writers of today that deal with this subject. I honestly loved the music video. The video has a great variety and a lot of interesting details that relate to the experience, i.e.; changing colors, photos flying into hand, etc.

It’s enjoyable to see how comfortable and personable you are while performing. It’s nice to know that there is someone trying to make it in the music industry really wants feedback. You really care about what other think and want to hear feedback.
Zoe

Dear Antimo:
While listening to When I Last Saw You I realized that everything happens for a reason. Someone passes, and across the world someone is giving birth. Even though someone is gone from you physically, it doesn’t mean that memories are gone, or are going to fade. January of ’05, my grandfather died. Coming from an Italian family, I’m sure you understand the value of family.

I was the first born grand daughter which meant something to him that brought the two of us closer. To the rest of my family, he was just grandpa, but to me, he was everything. I wanted to make him feel proud and never let him down. Now that he’s gone, I continue to dedicate everything that I accomplish to him, because even though his life isn’t going on, mine is. Why should I disappoint him when I know that he is still watching?
 
I liked the rose petals and the pictures in your music video. I also liked the backwards motion of the petals and the pictures. That was pretty powerful. I definitely think that you have talent and I think that your heart is in the right place. Your lyrics are beautiful.
Trish

Dear Antimo:
Vocally you are amazing. You have the nicest tone and texture to your voice. It’s really beautiful. There were many elements that I enjoyed while watching in your music video, “When I Last Saw You” such as the personal touching remembrances of your relatives. It demonstrated how one moment can change your life or one moment can influence others.

I really enjoyed your lyrics; there is a real poetry to them plus a sense of remorse and meaning. The most powerful line for me is… “And I don’t know why I said nothing when I last saw you.” Musically you have a good flow a good sense of melody. All in all, this is a beautiful song.
Amie

Dear Antimo:
Your music video, “When I Last Saw You” did exactly what it was supposed to do by bringing a visual image to what was touching our hearts and minds through your lyrics. It brought about a clearer picture of the emotions you felt during that tragic time. The music, lyrics, and vocals were all very good and well put together. I think you are very talented and I absolutely love the acoustic guitar. The guitar was the perfect accompaniment for the music and vocals!

I enjoyed the entire concept of, “Lending Me Your Ear” - listening. I talk way too much, but we have two ears and one mouth, so listening definitely can speak volumes to friends because not too many take the time or consideration to listen. I also like the part where it says, “Say hello to all you know and always goodbye.” I appreciate those who always take the time to lend me their ear, and wish to improve my listening skills for them.

I really relate to the part where the lyrics state, “I can't thank you enough, providing me with love,” because my family and friends have done nothing but show me love in all that they do and I am so thankful for that.
Stephanie

Dear Antimo:
Your music has touched my soul, the words you speak in your lyrics have so much meaning and understanding, this has allowed me to release my emotions from the death of my sister. I truly thank you! I truly hope you make it to the big leagues it will be interesting to see what you do on a large scale! 
Jessica

Dear Antimo:
I think that, “When I Last Saw You” makes you learn to cherish the people that you have in your life now and realize that small fights aren’t worth losing the close friendship that you share with that person. I related to the whole song because I lost a friend recently and I never got a chance to say goodbye.

Your music video had a lot of symbolization that was related to you and the song. The Roses in the video really symbolized what you were feeling when writing this song. Your lyrics really meant something and should mean something to whoever has even lost someone close to them in their life. You performed very well especially for being only the second time in front of an audience.
Maxx

Dear Antimo:
I believe that, “When I Last Saw You” isn’t only about the passing of a friend but loosing anyone in general. This song allows you to realize that while you may have lost someone, you are not alone and there are others that are going through the same thing you are.

The music video was very well made and I liked the transitions from black & white to color. Your lyrics speak to anyone who has ever dealt with a dark point in their life. I liked how you showed that you were willing to listen to what the audience had to say. You are very talented and have a very successful career ahead of you. Good luck!
Liz

Dear Antimo:
What I enjoyed the most about your live performance is seeing the love that you have behind your music. It’s obvious that you really love what you’re doing. You were not ‘just’ there while you were performing for us, but were actually having an experience. When I Last Saw You was my favorite song; it really touched my heart.

The loss due to a death is inevitable and sooner or later everyone is going to come in contact with that loss. Communicating your feelings through this song can really help to deal with the loss. You realized that you’re not the only one that feels the way you do.
 
Your music video looks awesome, the pictures, the fades… everything, I think it is very well done!
Amber

Dear Antimo:
Your song, “When I Last Saw You” prepares you for the emotions you will feel when you lose someone you care about. The song is very moving and emotionally touching and it really hits you hard. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful, as well as the music and vocals (sounds like Rascal Flatts.) What I enjoyed the most about your live performance is how funny you are and how easily people can relate to you.
Cassandra 
  
Dear Antimo:
The lyrics in your music tell a story, and stories in music are exactly what audiences desire to hear in concert. After hearing you sing some lyrics I was very astonished. You have the voice of a wonderful country singer.

My favorite song is, “The Place of Me.” The lyrics tell a story of anger at God. When something terrible happens, or when a mistake occurs,  I feel that sometimes we all feel angry at God, but in reality, we are really angry with ourselves, and at the terrible mishap. As the lyrics proclaim, we apology to God for our anger toward him, and we move toward the future,
Ryan 
 
Dear Antimo:
What I enjoyed most about your live performance is that you interact with the audience. Your music video, “When I Last Saw You” makes you feel like your own life could end at a minutes notice. You should live your life to the fullest and you should acknowledge your feelings to the ones you love and care for.

Lending Me Your Ear reminds us that we should live our lives to the fullest because you never no when it will end. The part of the song that I related to the most was the words right after the first chorus, because I had a brain tumor and after surgery it was like I woke up from dream.
Thomas

Dear Antimo:
I thought the setting and effects of your music video really related with the lyrics and song. It was very touching to have personal pictures of people who you have lost throughout the years. Also the article of the two teens that went to your high school made me think about the family and friends that I have lost and made me realize how much I have missed them. The lyrics are very touching and real because you always ask the question of “why was this person or people taken away from me or why did they have to die?”
 
I think it was a very good combination of lyrics, music and vocals to make the song so successful. When you sing one can see your passion for music.
Caroline

Dear Antimo:
I thought your music video was well done. I liked the use of shadowing and the fact that the video was not just a bunch of pictures of the artist but that it was actually telling us a story. I thought the lyrics were very deep and soul felt. I enjoyed your enthusiasm about your song.
Kristina

Dear Antimo:
Being as that I have lost someone very close to me, I can truly understand what, “When I Last Saw You” means. It gives me hope and joy to know that one day I will see him again and he is only a breath away. I think even if you have not lost someone you can still relate to what the song is about.

I was very sad while watching your music video, but it reminded me of a Garth Brooks song. You are an excellent singer and I was very interested in everything that was going on. You are truly talented! 
Ashley

Dear Antimo:
It’s refreshing to see someone be humble towards their musical talents. Your music helps one to remember that:
Life is a gift
Live it to the fullest
Take risks while you still can
Love everyone and don’t live life with regret

Your music video shows that although memories might fade they can never be forgotten. This song helps you realize the miracle of life. Your lyrics are deep and one can tell that they mean something significant to you. You use music as a way to express your feelings and emotions.

I enjoyed, “Lending Me Your Ear;”
“Had a dream last night, much to my delight
The soul of my dream came true; its essence lies in you
I can’t thank you enough providing me with love”
It reminds me of my Mom - someone that has always been there for me.
Jillian

Dear Antimo:
I think the message from; “When I Last Saw You” is that we need to realize how precious our time here on earth is with our friends and loved ones and that in one second our lives can change forever. Your music video is almost a time line and also a remembrance. You see the past and then the present. It shows you what has been lost and how important it was.

I think you lyrics are strong and filled with heart-felt words. I enjoyed the song - it was sad, but it also makes you realize not to take things for granted. I thought your voice was soothing and comforting to listen too.
Danielle

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Caloosa Middle School
Cape Coral, Florida

Dear Antimo:
You can tell that you really love doing what you do. Knowing that there is someone out there that isn't singing or making music just for the money is inspiring and refreshing; and it makes me have more respect for you. You're inspired me to starting writing. I really liked how your lyrics are about real life people and events. Your lyrics tell a story, and unlike most of the music you hear these days about money, or getting the girl your songs aren't. I really, really liked, "Just a Game" and the song about the little boy in the hospital. It brought tears to my eyes. I'll always be fan of yours.
A fellow writer



Dear Antimo,
Thank you for performing for us at Caloosa Middle School. You're a great singer and song writer. I think your album is going to be a great hit and I will be sure to buy it. You have an awesome voice. You have inspired many students at my school to write. You have made many fans here. Everybody thought you were the best singer that they've ever heard.
Katherine

Dear Antimo:
I like the way that you made learning so fun and exciting. You inspired me to go for my dreams, even if it means not making any money at first.
Brandon

Dear Antimo:
I learned that it takes a really long time or an album to be produced. You made me laugh so hard that I started to cry!Victoria



Dear Antimo:
You were the best speaker that we've had so far in our school. I learned that you really do care about the kids and our community. I also learned how music can change your life.
Brooke

Dear Antimo:
I must say that you were the best speaker that we've had all year. I like your voice; it's soothing - just like your music. You told us that you love what you do and I think that's fantastic.
Taylor

Dear Antimo:
I learned that you love your job, I mean your passion. I also learned that you don't do it for the money and that you have an awesome manager.
Tionna

Dear Antimo:
Your music inspired me!
Tiffany



Dear Antimo:
You taught us not to do what makes the most money, but to do something that you're passionate about.
Jimmy

Dear Antimo:
I really enjoyed your playing - you're awesome! It's really cool how you can write a song about anything. It's also really cool how much you care about children and our community. You were the best speaker that we've had all year.
Angela

Dear Antimo:
What I learned from you is that you can do anything that you really want to do in life
Chad

Dear Antimo:
Your music was truly inspiring and amazing. It brought forth a change in me. Mellow, serene and exciting are the ingredients of your music.
Rocky

Dear Antimo:
Thank you for a killer performance that touched my heart deeply. You, of all people, understand that music comes from the heart and that music isn't just simply about notes - it tells a story. I hope you become one of the best song writers ever. Never stop believing in yourself - that's the key to success.
Jose

Dear Antimo:
You showed us what a real career is and how much passion goes into it. The thing that I liked the most about you is that you are unique. I can't wait for you to return to our school.
Amanda

Dear Antimo:
I wish I could sing like you. I loved your whole presentation, and I like your sense of humor. Not a lot of people who come into our school to present can make me laugh like you did.
Hillari

Dear Antimo:
Your presentation blew me away. I loved your music and lyrics - they were just so touching.
Maria

Dear Antimo:
Your presentation was so inspiring and made me believe that you can do anything that you set your mind to.
Mia